A committee in Moncton has unanimously supported a bylaw to oversee the operation of e-scooters throughout the city, advancing it for a full council vote later this autumn. The new bylaw will establish regulations for businesses renting out micromobility devices such as e-scooters, e-bikes, and motorized skateboards within city limits. Companies must comply with various conditions to operate legally, including maintaining insurance coverage, assigning unique identification numbers to each device, paying an annual fee per device, providing employee lists, enabling real-time tracking, and submitting regular usage reports.
Moreover, businesses must ensure helmets are available for rentals, riders are at least 16 years old, speed limits are enforced, and proper parking and maintenance are upheld. Devices must be lockable using GPS technology to restrict access to certain areas during events or protests. Penalties, including fines and license termination, can be imposed if users violate regulations. In cases where a scooter is impounded due to rule violations, the company faces daily charges and potential device disposal after a week.
City staff emphasized that businesses are responsible for enforcing user compliance with the bylaw rules. Moncton Fire Chief Conrad Landry noted that bylaw officers will enforce fines on city-owned properties. The bylaw may be further adjusted pending provincial legislation incorporating micromobility devices into the Motor Vehicle Act. Licenses are valid for a year, with operational restrictions between mid-April and mid-November.
Move Scooter Rental, led by owner Steven McArthur, supports the bylaw’s provisions and aims to secure a license for the upcoming season. McArthur expressed readiness and enthusiasm to meet the requirements, enhance transportation options, and improve the city’s mobility landscape. The company is already implementing GPS technology for speed control, educational resources for riders, designated parking spots, and helmet provisions.
P.J. Singh, CEO of iRoll Scooter Rental, operates about 50 scooters in Moncton, Dieppe, and Riverview, emphasizing the importance of regulatory systems to ensure safety for riders and pedestrians.
Moncton council is set to vote on the shared micromobility licensing bylaw during an upcoming fall meeting.
